DeKalb Democratic Committee endorses ballot initiatives

There are several initiatives that are on the ballot this November. In an effort of increasing voter education, DeKalb County Democratic Committee has endorsed the Atlanta ballot initiative, Amendment 1, Amendment 2 and Referendum B. League of Women’s Voters has provided the following summary of ballot measures we will vote for on November 8:

Atlanta – Shall the governing authority of the City of Atlanta be authorized to permit and regulate Sunday sales of malt beverages, wine, and distilled spirits by the drink from 11:00 AM. to 12:00 Midnight and by the package from 11:00 AM. to 12:00 Midnight?

Amendment 1 – The state of Georgia continues to pay former public servants—from Governor to Commissioners—who have been indicted for a felony. This ballot measure would amend the state constitution to cut them off. Former Insurance Commissioner Jim Beck was indicted for money laundering and wire and mail fraud in 2019, but refused to resign. As a result, he continued to receive $200,000 a year in salary and benefits from the state until the end of his scheduled term. Amendment 1 would prevent this type of payment from rewarding corrupt public servants.

Amendment 2 – This constitutional amendment would suspend property taxes for buildings damaged in a natural disaster. This came after an EF4 tornado damaged 1,800 homes in Coweta County.

Referendum A – Another property tax exemption already passed into law would exempt equipment owned by timber companies from ad valorem taxes.

Referendum B – The state needs voter approval of a law it passed in 2021 to give property tax relief to some farm owners. The law extends an existing benefit to dairy and egg producers, and allows tax exemptions for family-owned farms.

Get your sample ballot at dekalbvotes.com.